Governor Spier reflects on experience, encourages girls to lead

By Mikaela Neubauer

At the very start of the day at Girls State one can be sure to see a curly brunette head bobbing animatedly above the sleepy and sluggish delegates, poised to begin the day with role call.

Lizzie Spier, the Girls State governor of 2014, is our well-rounded leader with a sunny disposition. While it is a great honor to be named governor, Spier began humbly, just like everyone else.

“Last year, I felt so unprepared. I had no idea what was going on,” Spier said. “I was asking myself, ‘What have I gotten myself into?,’ but you just go with the flow and it gets fun.”

Despite her nervous start, which was not unlike any other girl attending, Spier used her personable attitude and unique personality to turn her experience into something unforgettable. During the 2014 Girls State session, Spier was voted governor by her peers, succeeding 2013 governor Madison Mead.

“What stood out to me the most when Lizzie was campaigning, the basis of her platform was primarily women empowerment,” Mead said. “I think that she has done beautifully this year. I’m really proud of her.”

Spier, along with the support of her city, Chicago, and delegates, made it to the top through hard work, outgoing networking and confidence. But without the backing from her peers, the position of governor would be only a dream.

“The night I was selected as the party slate candidate for governor for the Nationalist party, my city, during our vespers, went above and beyond,” Spier said. “They stayed up so late working on posters for me. I came back and they had hundreds of posters made.”

After being assigned the role of government, Spier became the official face of Girls State. Her senior year at Washington High School was full of giving speeches at conventions as well as her school extracurricular activities, such as show choir and theatre.

“She represents Girls State all year. She goes to some American Legion events, like the state convention,” Cheryl Hovorka, Girls State director, said. “She goes to Pierre when we have Girls and Boys State governor day, so she represents all of the girls there.”

When Spier returned to USD for Girls State a year later, she had even more responsibilities to take on. While here, Spier is in charge of all assemblies, oversees the activities of the delegates and is responsible for the Junior Counselors.

“I am acting as a leader, a peer and a friend for the delegates here at Girls State,” Spier said. “Yes I may be up here, but I’m only 18. I’m here to help you and to make your experience as great as it was for me.”

As delegates have heard time and time again, Girls State is an honor and a great chance to build relationships, learn about leadership and ultimately to enjoy the experience while it lasts.

“I know that for some people you are looking at this week as a whole thinking, ‘Oh gosh this is going to get boring or long,’ and that may be true, but it is what you make of it,” Spier said. “I really do think the becoming of who I am was largely influenced by Girls State. This week here, although you may not realize it, is an incredible opportunity.”

After Girls State, Spier plans to go to the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities to double major in International Relations and Spanish in hopes of becoming a business liaison. Throughout the week, delegates will learn that leaders are born out of groups of those who wish to succeed, which is exactly the sort of community that Girls State boasts.

“That’s what leadership is all about. Taking inspiration from those around you to become the leader that you want to be,” Spier said.

(Photo: Girls State Governor Lizzie Spier was elected during South Dakota Girls State 2014. Spier will attend the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities this fall. Morgan Fischer / Sacajawea Scroll)